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Island Mele John Berger |
Local record producer and music scholar Bill Rose coined the term "hapa-kapeni" (half-Japanese) several years ago to describe music that blends elements of Hawaiian and Japanese culture. Guitarists Ozzie Kotani and Steve Sano make an important contribution to that genre with this beautiful collection of Japanese and Okinawan melodies played in slack-key tunings. The duo uses the basic "G taro patch" tuning on most songs, but Kotani switches to "Drop C" for a couple. "Remembrance"
Ozzie Kotani & Steve Sano
Daniel Ho CreationsAs for the title, Kotani and Sano were raised in homes where Japanese was spoken and Japanese pop songs were part of their childhood. One or two became known outside the local community, "Sukiyaki" in particular. Others of more recent vintage reflect the revival of Okinawan nationalism.
The arrangements, with Kotani using steel strings and Sano nylon, make all of the tunes "hapa-kapeni," making for a perfect cross-cultural project.
www.danielhocreations.com
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"Yashi no Mi"
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Kaeo and producer/ arranger/musician Roy Salmond are the principals in this well-crafted album of contemporary Christian music. Kaeo is a sweet and compelling singer with a knack for conveying the emotion and spiritual essence of the lyrics. Salmond provides most of the instrumentation but included enough guest musicians to make this more than a cheapo synth-track project. "In the Midst"
Jan Kaeo
Jan KaeoThe most impressive song, "My Babies," was written by Kaeo and Salmond. Kaeo's lyrics express the pain of finding that God's plan can include the miscarriage of much-wanted children.
Some of the songs from other writers seem at first to be basic testaments of the faith, but Salmond varies the tempi and instrumental textures to make almost all of them musically interesting, with "You Are My Life" being particularly memorable.
www.jankaeo.com
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Keali'i Reichel and his Punahele Productions ohana stand second to none in creating world-class Hawaiian albums, and this latest gem, a requiem for his beloved grandmother, is no exception. Each song and chant is part of a perfectly executed celebration of life, love and ohana (family). Each selection seems exquisite in form and concept and Reichel is in top form throughout. "Ke'alaokamaile"
Keali'i Reichel
Punahele ProductionsA poetry reading, followed by a genealogical chant, sets the theme. The beautiful "Ka Nohona Pili Kai" follows, written by Reichel and Puakea Nogelmeier, which broadens the focus to include the ohana. Detailed annotation reveals the significance of older songs such as "Fields of Gold" and "Pupu A'o 'Ewa," hinting at the hidden meaning, the kaona, that may lurk within an apparently innocent song.
Kapono Beamer, Willie K, Lehua Kalima-Heine and a talented string section help make "Ke'alaokamaile" a superb Hawaiian album.
www.punahele.net
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See the Columnists section for some past reviews.
John Berger, who has covered the local entertainment scene since 1972, writes reviews of recordings produced by Hawaii artists. See the Star-Bulletin's Today section on Fridays for the latest reviews. Contact John Berger at jberger@starbulletin.com.
